Walter Dent Wise

Walter Dent Wise was born on May 18, 1885 in Patuxent Beach, Maryland. His father was an assistant cashier in Leonardtown.

His early education was by tutors and in private schools. In 1902, he enrolled in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, now a part of the University of Maryland. He received his medical degree in 1906. Following that, Dr. Wise served his internship at Bay View Hospital in 1906, and at Mercy Hospital in 1907. He became the assistant resident in surgery at Mercy in 1908 and assisted Dr. A.C. Harrison for the next five years. He entered private practice in 1913.

Dr. Wise was chief surgeon at South Baltimore General Hospital from 1924-1934. From 1935 to 1955, he was the chief surgeon at Mercy Hospital, where he also served on the Board of Governors and the Executive Committee until 1961. He was also visiting surgeon at Union Memorial Hospital, the old Women’s Hospital, and Johns Hopkins. He was a member of the board of advisors at Mount St. Agnes College.

During WWII, Dr. Wise was medical director of the Selective Service of Maryland, and then served as a consultant surgeon to the Third Medical Service Command, embracing Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. He attained the rank of colonel in 1944. For his service, he received the Army’s Legion of Merit award, the American Service Medal, the WWII Victory Medal and the Selective Service Medal.

In 1943, Dr. Wise became the President of the Baltimore City Medical Society and in 1951, the President of the Medical & Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland. From 1937 to 1955, Dr. Wise was a professor of surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and at his death, he was professor emeritus of surgery there. His medical career spanned more than 60 years.

In 1962, Dr. Wise received the honor award and golden key of the Medical Alumni Association at the University of Maryland, where he had served as president from 1942-1943.

He died unexpectedly at age 83 at his home in Baltimore on July 23, 1968.